Teacher’s Death Civil Trial Set

A civil trial date is now set in the death of former Port Huron Northern teacher Ashley Nisbett. Her estate is suing Justin Simon, the man already convicted in criminal court. A judge, not a jury, will rule when the case begins March 3rd, with a final settlement deadline in February. Nisbett died in ’23 after Simon’s drunk-driving crash on Lakeshore Road in Fort Gratiot. Simon is serving up to five years in prison. The lawsuit seeks accountability beyond the criminal verdict.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Men’s Basketball Splits Weekend at Home

The St. Clair County Community College men’s basketball team split a weekend at home, edging Lakeland Community College 78-77 on Friday before dropping a 74-60 decision to Cuyahoga Community College on Saturday. SC4 built a big halftime lead Friday but had to hold off a furious second-half comeback. On Saturday, the Skippers stayed close early but fell behind in the second half. SC4 is now 5-5 and returns home December 17th to face Edison State at 4 p.m.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Santa Visits Museum

Over the weekend, the Port Huron Township Heritage Museum welcomed Santa Claus for a free, two-day community visit, drawing over 100 children from across St. Clair County and beyond. Families enjoyed photos with Santa and explored the museum’s exhibits, with many kids asking, “Where is your sleigh?” Museum volunteers also offered a special holiday program helping children send letters to the North Pole. Letters can be dropped off at the township office on Lapeer Road through this Saturday, with a reply sent to those who include a return address.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

“Light Up a Life” Holiday Campaign

Blue Water Home Care & Hospice is holding its first “Light Up a Life” campaign under its new name, inviting local families to honor loved ones this holiday season. Blue lights will cover the Tree of Remembrance, each symbolizing someone special who has passed and the caregivers who supported them. Donations stay right here in the Blue Water area, helping provide quality hospice care for families who cannot afford it. The campaign runs through December, and residents can contribute to remember someone meaningful while supporting neighbors in need. Visit bwhch.org/lul

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Care Homes Struggle to Meet Standards

New internal government data shows more than half of Sarnia-Lambton’s long-term care homes fell short of the provincial standard for hands-on resident care in ’23 & 24. Six out of ten local facilities did not meet the target of 3 hours and 42 minutes of daily direct care per resident. Non-profit and municipal homes generally outperformed for-profit operators, with Sumac Lodge providing the lowest average at just under three hours per resident. The province plans to raise care standards to four hours per day.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet